Lismore Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Market
Lismore NSW Investment Analysis
BUY
— vacancy at 1.1% and $550/wk rent puts this in the top tier of NSW yield suburbs.
THE MARKET
Lismore has compounded at 13.8%/yr over 5 years — a house that cost $276,645 in 2021 is worth $528,000 today. Properties are sitting on market for 53 days (buyers have negotiating room). At the same growth rate, today's median reaches $1,007,732 by 2031.
- **Median house:** $528,000 | **Units:** $268,206 - **Gross yield:** 5.4% | **Net yield:** 3.9% - **5yr price CAGR:** 13.8%/yr | **3yr forecast:** 15.5%/yr - **Population:** 8,243 | **Owner-occupier rate:** 32% | **Affluence:** Average
- **Supply pipeline:** Low — Price growth outpacing new supply, limited development pipeline
RENTAL SNAPSHOT
- **Vacancy:** 1.1% (improving) | **Rental demand:** Very High - **Median weekly rent:** $550/wk | **Days on market:** 53 (worsening) - Landlord market — rents likely to keep rising.
SHORT-TERM RENTAL
- **Median nightly rate:** $195/night | **Occupancy:** 68% - **Estimated annual STR gross:** ~$48,399/yr - **vs long-term rent:** $28,600/yr (+69% STR premium — factor in higher management costs)
INFRASTRUCTURE & CATALYSTS
- No major confirmed infrastructure projects on record. - **Transport:** Well-connected inner-city location
BULL CASE
If Lismore maintains 3%+ annual growth and vacancy stays below 0.8%, median prices could reach $607,200 within 3 years with yields compressing slightly as capital values rise.
BEAR CASE
A market correction or interest rate shock could see prices in Lismore pull back 10-15% from $528,000, with vacancy rising to 2.0% and rental yields softening as tenants gain leverage.
KEY RISKS
- No significant risk factors identified for this suburb
COMPARABLE MARKETS
- **Muswellbrook** (NSW): $580,000 median, 5.0% yield, 11.5% 1yr growth - **Aberdare** (NSW): $650,000 median, 0.0% yield, 0.0% 1yr growth - **Aberdeen** (NSW): $553,000 median, 0.0% yield, 0.0% 1yr growth
THE PLAY
Lismore presents a compelling investment opportunity. The combination of solid fundamentals and very high rental demand supports entry at current price levels. Proceed with due diligence on specific properties. Target gross yields above 5.4% and prioritise properties with value-add potential. Consider timing entry around the current growth phase of the market cycle.
- Entry range: $475,200 – $580,800 - Minimum gross yield to target: 5.7% - Watch signal: vacancy staying below 2% and days on market falling below 35
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Seek professional advice before making investment decisions.
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Analyse a Property →Data sourced from ABS, state government property sales, and Airbnb market analytics. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.